An ingrown hair happens when the sharp tip of the hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin of the hair follicle. It is a benign condition, which usually appears as a small tan or sometimes pink bump under the skin.
Often, a small pinpoint (often dark) part of the underlying hair may be seen under the skin bump. In more extensive cases, multiple small red or pink little bumps around hair follicles may be seen on any skin area that has been frequently shaved, such as the face, neck, armpits, legs, and pubic region.
The simplest and most effective way to prevent ingrown hairs is to abstain from shaving and allow facial and body hair to grow out as normal. When shaving, there are a few precautions that can be taken to prevent ingrown hairs including proper shaving techniques and preparation of the skin before shaving. When shaving, applying the proper amount of lubrication (in the form of shaving cream, gel, or soap) is important to prevent the hair from being forced underneath the surface of the skin. Also the application of too much force with a razor can contribute to hair that is cut shorter than the surrounding dermis. Using a beard trimmer at the lowest setting (1 mm or 0.5 mm) instead of shaving is an effective alternative.
Fried onion
If the hair is already ingrown and you’re worried about the bump that’s going to form on the skin, fry a little onion and apply a little heat to the affected area.
What we’re trying to accomplish with this treatment is to get the bump to burst and release the ingrown hair.
Egg membrane
First remove the membrane from inside an eggshell, then cover the problem area with the membrane and let it dry and shrink around the area. Pull it off once dry. The ingrown hair should come out with it.
Regular exfoliation
One of the keys to avoiding and combating ingrown hairs is regularly exfoliating the skin to remove dead cells that accumulate and block the follicle.
You can use a commercial exfoliating product, one with natural ingredients or a horsehair glove.
Ideally, you should repeat this treatment two or three times a week to keep hairs from becoming ingrown.
Warm milk and bread compress
Warm up a small amount of milk but don’t make it too hot. Dip a piece of bread into the milk. Place the bread on an ingrown hair. Leave the dipped bread on. Remove when it feels cool, this will be about 2 minutes. Repeat the dip and hold during about 10 minutes. Check for an opening of the pore. Use a needle to pull up the loop of hair and free it.
If you cannot see the opening, repeat the dip and hold. If it fails to open, see your health professional for advice.
Sugar
Sugar is a great skin scrub that can help get rid of ingrown hair. It gently exfoliates the skin, removing dead cells and helping the ingrown hair come out of the skin. Plus, it will make your skin silky smooth.
Mix one cup of white sugar with one-half cup of extra-virgin olive oil or jojoba oil. Stir in 10 drops each of tea tree oil and lavender essential oil. Apply a small amount of this homemade scrub on the affected area. Gently scrub the skin in circular motions for a few minutes. Then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Follow this remedy once or twice a week as needed.
You can store the remaining scrub in an airtight container for future use.
Source: http://www.bepositivebefit.com